When Turner explained that the city’s charter required the commission to pick the most competent candidate, Fredrick Williams, chairman of the editorial board of Tempo News, shouted from the audience: “That’s incorrect, sir.”

Williams was one of about 20 north Sarasota residents in the Commission Chambers watching the proceedings.

Turner had raised the ire of fellow Commissioner Fredd Atkins and some of his constituents, because when Atkins suggested a couple of months ago to avoid a lengthy job search and immediately hire Nadalini, who is black, Turner said it was the commission’s duty to interview several candidates before making a decision. The majority of commissioners agreed with Turner.

Several north Sarasota residents alluded to racism and sexism as the reasons why Nadalini wasn’t given the job immediately.

Before hearing the committee’s recommendation, Turner upset Atkins when he asked if Hudgins would be relaying the positive attributes of all candidates, not just their top choice.

“What are we doing here?” Atkins asked Clapp. “They have a report on one candidate. Why can (Turner) tell us what to do here?”

Turner said he thought he was just following human-resources policy.

Nadalini took Turner’s vote in stride.

“For those of you who have doubts and concerns, I’m sure I’ll win you over,” she said. “Just give me some time.”

Turner said after the meeting that he agrees that Nadalini had great knowledge of the city and feels that she will grow into the role.

Nadalini is the first black city auditor and clerk and the first female charter official in Sarasota’s history.